An applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent with at least a B average, and a minimum of two years of study in philosophy and theology, either at the undergraduate or graduate level, which should include the study of philosophical anthropology, metaphysics, ethics, Sacred Scripture, fundamental theology, Trinitarian theology, Christology, grace, ecclesiology, sacramental theology (general and particular), moral theology (general and particular), and an introduction to canon law. They also need to have an adequate knowledge of Latin. An applicant who lacks sufficient preparation in philosophy and theology or Latin may be admitted provisionally, but must complete the prerequisites, under the direction of the Dean, before final acceptance into the program.

Two (2) letters of recommendation by persons who know the applicant and can attest to the applicant’s capacity to pursue graduate study. In addition, a letter of permission from the applicant’s bishop (for secular clergy) or superior (for members of institutes of consecrated life or societies of apostolic life).

DCA 5133 - PROCEDURES I

Trials in general. Competent forum. Different grades and kinds of tribunals: first instance, second instance, tribunals of the Apostolic See. Discipline to be observed in tribunals: duties of judges and tribunal ministers, order of adjudication, time limits and delays, place of the trial, persons to be admitted to the court, manner of preparing and keeping the acts. Parties in a case. Actions and exceptions. Oral contentious process. (cc. 1400-1500, 1656-1677)

DCA 5134 - EASTERN CANON LAW

History of Eastern canon law. Overview of the Codex canonum Ecclesiarum orientalium. Structures of the patriarchal, major archiepiscopal, and metropolitan churches. Eparchies and exarchies. Select consideration of particular canons. Rapport between the Eastern Churches and the Latin Church. [Previously: DCA 5207]

DCA 5135 - MATRIMONIAL JURISPRUDENCE

Study of jurisprudence focusing on the grounds of nullity of matrimonial consent, with special focus on the jurisprudence of the Roman Rota. [Previously: DCA 6321]

DCA 5136 - INTRODUCTION TO CANON LAW

Methodology for canonical research and writing. History of canonical sources. History of canonical institutions.

DCA 5138 - SPECIAL MATRIMONIAL CASES AND PROCEDURES

Separation of the spouses with the dissolution of the marriage bond (dissolution of ratified and non-consummated marriages, dissolution in virtue of the Pauline privilege, dissolution in favour of the faith). Separation of the spouses with the bond remaining. Convalidation of marriage. Procedure in presumed death of a spouse. (cc. 1141-1165, 1692-1707) [Previously: DCA 5133]

DCA 5203 - INSTITUTES OF CONSECRATED LIFE AND SOCIETIES OF APOSTOLIC LIFE

Common norms. Religious institutes: religious houses, governance of institutes, admission of candidates and formation of members, obligations and rights of the institutes and of their members, apostolate of institutes, separation of members from the institute, religious who are bishops, conferences of major superiors. Secular institutes. Societies of apostolic life. (cc. 573-633; 641-717, 719-740, 742-746)

DCA 5304 - COMPARATIVE PARTICULAR LAW

Comparative study of the development of particular canon law at the level of conferences of bishops.

DCA 5310 - CHURCH LAW AND PASTORAL MINISTRY

Theological reflection on and practical application of Canon Law to some areas of pastoral ministry, specifically marriage and reconciliation.

DCA 6114 - PROCEDURES II

Introduction of a case: the libellus, citation and notification of judicial acts. Joinder of the issue. Trial of litigation. Proofs. Incidental cases. Publication of the acts. Conclusion of the case. Discussion of the case. Pronouncements of the judge. Challenge of the sentence: complaint of nullity, appeal. Res iudicata and Restitutio in integrum. Judicial expenses and gratuitous legal assistance. Execution of the sentence. The documentary process for marriage cases. (cc. 1501-1655, 1678-1691)

DCA 6116 - FOUNDATIONS OF CANON LAW

DCA 6117 - INSTITUTES OF LAW

An introduction to the juridical system of civil law (common law). A comparison of selected themes of civil law to principles established by canon law. An examination of the tension that between Church and State, with an analysis of civil law court judgments. [Previously: DCA6415]

DCA 6301 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CANON LAW I

Study of interdisciplinary problems with a large canonical component or of specialized questions not covered by the Code of Canon Law.

DCA 6302 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CANON LAW II

Study of interdisciplinary problems with a large canonical component or of specialized questions not covered by the Code of Canon Law.

DCA 6315 - LITURGICAL LAW OUTSIDE THE CODE

Selected Praenotanda of liturgical books and post- Code legislation on the Liturgy.

DCA 6316 - THE LAITY AND THE POWER OF GOVERNANCE IN THE CHURCH

Collaboration of the lay faithful in the exercise of the power of governance: law, theory, and practice.

DCA 6363 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CANON LAW III

Study of interdisciplinary problems with a large canonical component or of specialized questions not covered by the Code of Canon Law. Each academic year the details of the course will be made available in advance to the students.

DCA 6364 - SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN CANON LAW IV

Study of interdisciplinary problems with a large canonical component or of specialized questions not covered by the Code of Canon Law. Each academic year the details of the course will be made available in advance to the students.

DCA 6395 - RESEARCH SEMINAR

Research on a particular canonical subject resulting in its presentation to the seminar group and director, and in submission of a written project.